Author: denasamuels

"Reacting to offensive comments is not simply a matter of course, where a comment is made and we just respond. These comments are typically fraught with an emotional charge. Thus, responding effectively depends in large part on our ability to recognize and acknowledge our own emotional reactions. Emotional intelligence, or EI (Goleman, 1995) is used … Continue reading Transforming Self-Awareness

These first few weeks have been devastating to U.S. civil rights. Those of us who believe in freedom for all are certainly under attack. As my friend, colleague, and partner in crime, Stephany Rose reminded me recently after she marched on Washington and visited the Holocaust Museum: It only took Hitler 6 months to become … Continue reading Sharing Space Creates Community

I’m standing in the midst of thousands of people at Denver’s MLK Day Marade (March/Parade), which is known as the largest MLK Day gathering of any in the U.S., and we are in the middle of an intersection in front of the looming State Capitol, and we are chanting, “I believe (clap, clap, clap)… we … Continue reading My Zion: Reflections on Denver’s MLK Day Marade 2017

At this time of transition (Solstice, New Year, presidential turnover, etc.), it’s a good time to let go of what no longer serves us and make room for hope and deep connection with others. This takes some self-reflection and what better place to start than in the yoga studio? In the new year, how about … Continue reading Culturally-Inclusive, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga

The best way to stand up for social justice and to disrupt the status quo this holiday season is to donate to People Of Color (POC)-led organizations. My favorite POC-led social justice org is The Privilege Institute (TPI). Year-end donations will directly contribute to: Continuing support of the White Privilege Conference, the award-winning annual social … Continue reading What’s the best antidote to systemic racism? Giving to POC-led orgs!

I attended my first SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice) meeting the other night. It was in a church that was completely packed by upwards of 400 people; almost all white folks, since SURJ’s mission is to engage white people in social justice activism. Although I had previously experienced some disturbing behavior from SURJ folks … Continue reading This is NOT a Drill!